263 – Perseverance – A Biblical Doctrine

SEMESTER 4

263 – Perseverance – A Biblical Doctrine

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 63
THE DOCTRINE OF PRESERVATION AND PERSEVERANCE
(PERSEVERANCE, A BIBLICAL DOCTRINE)

INTRODUCTION:

1. The doctrine of Christian perseverance has been greatly abused by Arminianism, i.e., if you do not do… you fall from grace.
2. Knowing the error of this notion, others have abused the doctrine by neglecting, or denying it altogether.
3. This is why preservation and perseverance must be considered together.

I. PERSEVERANCE IS A BIBLICAL REQUIREMENT

1. Not a work for being or staying saved, nor is anything else.

III: “I believe… and thou shall be saved” not an act, but an evidence of the state of soul.

2. So, perseverance is demanded, and cited as evidence of salva­tion. (1 Cor. 15:1-4)
3. Scriptures that support this conclusion teach that we must:

i. Continue in His word. (Jn. 8:31)
iv. Abide in Jesus Christ. (Jn. 15:4-6)
v. Continue in His love. (Jn. 15:9)
vi. Cleave unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23)
vii. Enter through much tribulation. (Acts 14:22)
viii. Continue in His goodness. (Rom. 11:19-22)
ix. Endure unto the end. (Mat. 10:22)
x. Keep in memory the gospel. (1 Cor. 15:2)
xi. Not turn back into wilful sin. (Heb. 10:23-26)
xii. Continue in the faith. (Col. 1:21-23)
xiii. Follow peace and holiness. (Heb. 12:14-15)
xiv. Overcome temptation and tribulation. (Rev. 2:7 & 11)

4. To deny or ignore this is to ignore masses of Scripture.

II. WHY ARE THESE TRUTHS SET FORTH?

If salvation is sure to all the elected, redeemed and called, why is this body of doctrine set forth?

1. Not to cause doubt, or to hold the believer under threat.
2. Not to set forth works required for salvation and heaven.
3. They are given to encourage us in trouble. (Acts 14:22)
4. They are given to preclude presumption on the part of false profes­sors. (Jn. 8:31)
5. They are given to provoke self-examination of the saved. (II Cor. 13:5)
6. They are given to assure reward to the faithful. (Mat. 24:13)

III. THEY ARE EVIDENCES NOT WORKS

1. The Arminian error is to see these as works by which we merit God’s grace.
2. This error flows basically from a preconceived philosophy of salvation by works.
3. The biblical presentation of this truth is evidence of the genuineness of our conversion.